After enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning, the group left Hillsville to make the three-hour trip to South Boston where they were scheduled to sing at Faith Mennonite Church. Heart rates spiked as the bus made its way up and down the winding mountain roads of Virginia. Although bus driver Joe easily maneuvered the dramatic inclines, pillows over faces were measures used to reduce anxiety produced by the elevated conditions.
The group enjoyed a lunch and rest stop at Fairy Stone State Park, giving both the children and adults a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy the beautiful August sunshine. The youngest members of the group headed for the playground, while others found hiking trails, solitude in secluded spots, or shady spots to escape the heat. Well-filled from the sack lunch provided by members of Island Creek Mennonite and damp and drowsy from the heat, everyone was glad to return to the air-conditioned bus and continue their trip to South Boston.
For the rest of the trip, some slept and some read, while others called home to babble with the significant toddlers in their lives.
The ensemble arrived at Faith Mennonite Church in South Boston, Virginia, with plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the singing space and work through their repertoire. Overall, the group felt more comfortable and relaxed during this evening’s concert as compared to the previous night, and they enjoyed singing for a very engaged audience. They were honored to have people drive from many different communities, with some even coming from three hours away! Families from the area graciously hosted the ensemble and their families for the night, ensuring they were well-rested and well-fed.
A few “favorites” from the day:
Favorite moment of the day?
- Mariah: “I enjoyed a pre-concert cup of coffee in a real mug in solitude.”
- Jonathan: “I experienced my first cold plunge in a homemade ice bath after the evening’s program at my host’s place.”
Best food you ate yesterday?
- Tom: “I had pecan pie with vanilla ice cream.” (Evening snack.)
- Daniel: “I enjoyed sausage patties and breakfast casserole provided by his host.”
Highlight of the evening program?
- Rachel: “I experienced answered prayer in feeling more relaxed during this program than the night before. I also enjoyed the engaged audience.”
Favorite audience member?
- Many Tehillah members noticed a sweet old lady in the front row who was really enjoying the music.
Favorite song?
- Karen: “I especially connected with Down in the River to Pray during Sunday night’s concert. “I was just vibin’.”
- Seth: “I love Indodana because I like the way it portrays the pinnacle moment of history: Christ’s crucifixion.”
– Sabrina Miller